Buckle



Oct. 24, 1939. P. w. WHITE ET AL 2,1779468 BUCKLE Filed Aug. l2, 1937 Patented Oct. 24, 1939v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BUCKLE Application August 12, 1937, Serial No. 158,642

7 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to a slide buckle and has special reference to a device adapted to be mounted on belts, straps and the like for the support of garments or other objects, particularly on the 6 person or for otherwise detachably securing articles together.

More particularly this invention relates to a slide buckle comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, and a second frame for slidably engaging the first mentioned frame and having a slot therethrough, the free end of a strap or the other end of the belt passing through the slot and between the frames with means on one of the frames for engaging the other of the frames to direct a relative arcuate movement therebetween in a substantially transverse direction upon a relative longitudinal movement of the free end of a strap or the other end of the belt to clamp 20 the latter in adjusted positions between the frames. 7

yThe buckle of the present invention is adaptable for use with various types of objects, particularly upon the person and may be employed 25 with slight variations not departing from the spirit of the invention universally where detachable connections are desired to be made. However, in the drawing and in the following description the slide buckle is described and shown 80 in its association with a belt, the belt being threaded through a slot in one of the frames and then between the frames for adjustably clamping the belt relative thereto. It will, of course, be readily apparent that various other uses may 86 be made and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific uses herein described and illustrated.

Applicants contemplate the provision of a slide buckle formed of two slidably engaged prefer- 40 ably sheet metal frames for the reception of the belt or strap threaded therebetween, the frame members cooperating to clamp the strap or belt eiciently after an initial application of tension on the free end of the strap or on the end of the 45 belt opposite to that of the end connected to one of the frames, without the necessity of providing sharp projecting` prongs'or other like clamping members which mar or cutrthe material of the article gripped. Also, the end oi the strap or o belt is readily and conveniently drawn through the buckle in either direction to adjust the same relative thereto with a minimum of ease.

The provision of a guideway or other means for directing a relative arcuate movement between the two frames permits the insertion of the (Cl. .Z4-194') strap through the slot in one of the frames to be clamped between the frames without the necessity of close adjustment. The frame having the slot is moved into such a position that the slot is readily accessible to receive the end of the strap., 6 Thereafter, upon the application of tension to the strap, the one frame member is adjusted quickly and with a minimum of movement to a clamping position with respect to the other of the frames by reason of its arcuate movement. 10

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames of the type hereinabove described, in which a belt or strap may be conveniently and readily threaded through a slot and between the frames.

Another object of this inventionis to provide a buckle of the character above indicated comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames in which the belt or strap threaded therethrough for clamping engagement between the frames in adjusted positions may be conveniently and easily adjusted in either direction.

A further object of this invention is to provide a slide buckle of the above mentioned type comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames in which the construction may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, may be durable and simple in construction and simple in threading and other manipulations.

Otherobjects and advantages will be hereinafter more particularly pointed out and for a more complete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when 35 taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which latter:

Figure l is a front elevational view of a buckle embodying the features of this invention illustrated as being mounted on a belt shown frag- 40 mentarily;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the construction shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged central sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 1 showing the 45 frame members in an initial position of adjustment;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the frame members in a clamping position;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged end elevational view of the 50 buckle shown in Figure l with a portion thereof shown in cross section;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing the clamping position of a modied form of the buckle embodying the features of this invention;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged end elevational view of the buckle shown in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the frame members of the buckle shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive.

Referring now to the drawing, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 5, inclusive thereof, the construction therein shown comprises a pair of frame members Il) and II, the frame I0 preferably comprising a substantially fiat body portion I2 having flanges I3 and I4 preferably bent oute.

Wardly from the material of opposite sides of the frame and inwardly in a direction toward eachY other to provide backing members I5- and I3Y respectively.

Each of the backing members is provided with a loop I'I preferably formed integrally therewith providing bearings for receiving theends of the l attaching means I 8. The attaching means are preferably formed of a U-shaped wire through which the end of a belt I9 is threadedV and turned back upon itself for permanent or detachable engagement. The frame I0 is preferably formed from a single sheet of material and may be of precious or semi-precious metal in the instance of its use as a belt buckle. However, in its use as a strap for overalls, for example, the buckle may readily be formed of a thin sheet of steel and subsequently copper plated.

The frame I I preferably comprises'a member formed of vsheet metal having opposed side bars 20 connected by spaced cross bars ZI and 22 defining a slot 23. The cross bar 22 is preferably raised or embossed or provided with a U-shape or channel cross section 24 over a maior portion of length thereof. The embossed portion V24 of cross bar 22 is the strap engaging portion of the frame II and cooperates with the substantially flat portion I2 of the frame'Illto clamp the strap or belt in adjusted position therebetween as will hereinafter be more fully described. f l

'I'he flanges I3 and I4 are provided with guideways 25 and 2B for receiving projecting portions 21 and 28 respectively of the frame II. The guideways are of arcuate contour and the projecting portions 21 and 28`are similar in contour to ride therein, the guideways directing relative transverse movement between the frames I0 and II.

The other end 29 of the belt is threaded through the slot 2li of frame Il when the frame is in a position such as is shown in Fig. 3. In this position of the frame, the aperture or slot 2l] extends substantially at right angles to the plane of the frame, or in a direction transverse of the buckle so that the strap may be threaded readily therethrough. Were the aperture to lie substantially in the plane of the frame it would be diflicult to thread through the slot since that side of the buckle through which the strap must be threaded lies adjacent the body of the wearer. By reason.' therefore of the( arcuate contour of the guideway, the slot is moved into a position such that the strap or belt may be readily threaded therethrough.V

Further when viewing the clamped position of the strap, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing, it will be noted that but a comparatively slight relative movement between the frames is necessary to obtain a clamping position. Were the slot merely inclined relative to the plane of the frame, a secure clamping'condition could not be obtained at the angle of the inclination shown and were the angleY of the inclination lessened to such an extent that a secured clamping pOStOfl be obtained then, relatively speaking, a very substantial relative movement between the two Vframes must be had.

In order to obtain a clamped relation of the strap between the frames, it is only necessary to obtain a tension on the belt or strap since the latter is threaded through the slot 20 and the frictional engagement of the strap, by reason of its tortuous path through the frames, moves the frame I I relative to the frame I 0 which is secured to` the immovable end of the strap. In order to relieve the clamped relation between the frames,

"it' is only necessary to raise or move outwardly that end of the buckleindicated by the reference character AV in the direction of the arrow as shown in Fig. 3. The frame I I is thereby moved to its position in Fig. 3 where the free end 23 of the strap or belt is freely slidable through the slot 20., Y

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 6 and 'l ofthe drawing, the buckle therein shown is a modified form of construction embodying the features of this invention and comprises a frame 3l) having a substantially flat portion 3l with flanges 32 and 33 preferably bent outwardly from the material on opposite sides of the frame and inwardly upon themselves to form portions 34 and 35 respectively in an opposed relation. The portions 34 and 35 are provided with openings 36 of arcuate contour which act as guideways to receive projections 3l and 38 respectively extending from a second frame 39. 1

Loops 40 are preferably formed integrally with flanges 32 and 33 to provide bearings for receiving a substantially U-shaped wire 40 forming attaching means between the frame 30 and one end of the belt 42 or other article to be supported. The end of belt 42 may be threaded through the attaching means 4I and formed over upon itself to be sewed or'provided with other means for permanent or detachable securing engagement.

The frame 39 preferably comprises spaced side bars 43 connected together by spaced Ycross bars 44 and 45. The cross bar 45 is preferably provided with a raised or embossed portion 46 extending over a major portion of the length thereof, the raised portion providing a strap or belt engaging member for purposes which will be Y hereinafter more apparent.

The frame 39 may in this instance be flat or substantially flat and the projections 31 and 38, received in the openings 36, may likewise be substantially flat, and in this instance the guideways 35 may be of varying width, the upper portion of the guideway being of substantially greater width than the opposite end -of the guideway which may be substantially the width of the projecting member of the frame allowing for slight clear-y ance. Further,` the smaller widthV of the guideway may extend at a'slight inclination to the plane ofthe frame in order to affect a wedging action of the frames whenin a clamping position. Y

By reason of the guideway 3B being of varying width, the substantially flat frame 39 may obtain an arcuate movement so that it may present the slot at substantially right angles to the plane of the frame for convenience in threading. Further, the adjustment to clampV the belt or strap between the frame members may bev obtained by means of relative movement therebetween. Also, by reason of the small inclination of the bottom or lesser width of the guideway, a wedging action is obtained whereby the strap is effectively held against movement therebetween.

While two embodiments of this invention are herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various. modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, and therefore, the invention is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

We claim:

l. A slide buckle for association with a strap, comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and having a substantially flat strap-engaging face, opposed flanges on said frame, a guideway on each of said flanges, a second frame formed of sheet metal having end bars for slidable engagement in said guideways, said end bars terminating within said guideways, and spaced cross bars connecting said end bars forming a slot through which said strap may be threaded to pass over the face of one of said cross bars and under the face of the other, said cross bars being of polygonal cross section, said guideways directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the strap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strap-engaging face of one of said frames and one face of one of the cross bars of the other of said frames.

2. A slide buckle for association with a strap, comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and having a substantially iat strap-engaging face, opposed flanges on said frame, a guideway of arcuate contour on each of said flanges, a second frame formed .of sheet metal having end bars for slidable engagement in said guideways, said end bars terminating within said guideways, and spaced cross bars connecting said end bars forming a slot through which said strap may be threaded to pass over` the face of one of said cross bars and under the face of the other, said cross bars being of polygonal cross section, said guideways directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the strap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strap-engaging face of .one of said frames and one face of one of the cross bars of the other of said frames.

3. A slide buckle for association with a strap, comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and having a substantially flat strap-engaging face, opposed ilanges on said frame, a guideway of arcuate contour on each of said anges, a second Vframe formed of sheet metal having end bars for slidable engagement in said guideways, said end bars terminating within said guideways, and spaced cross bars connecting said end bars forming a slot through which said' strap may be threaded to pass over the face of one of said cross bars and under the face of the other, one of said cross bars having an intermediate portion thereof of substantial channel-shaped cross section to provide a strap-engaging face, said guidewaysr directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the strap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strap-engaging face of said firstmentioned frame and the strap-engaging face of the cross bar :of the other of said frames.

4. A slide buckle for association with a strap, comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and having a substantially flat strap-engaging face, opposed anges on said frame, a guideway of arcuate contour on each of said flanges, a second frame formed of sheet metal having end bars for slidable engagement in said guideways, spaced cross bars connecting said end bars forming a slot through which said strap may be threaded to pass over the face of one of said cross bars and under the face of the other, said cross bars being .of polygonal cross section, said guideways directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the strap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strap-engaging face of one of said frames and one face of one of the cross bars of the other of said frames, and an annular extension formed integrally with each of said flanges forming a bearing for receiving the attaching means of said belt or article to be supported.

5. A slide buckle for association With a strap, comprising a frame for attachment with one end .of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and havingl a substantially fiat strap-engaging face, opposed flanges on said frame, a guideway of arcuate contour on each of said iianges, and a second frame formed of sheet metal having arcuately formed end bars conforming substantially to the contour .of said guideways for slidable engagement therein, and spaced cross bars connecting said end bars forming a slot through which said strap may be threaded to pass over the face of one of said cross bars and under the face of the other, said cross bars being of polygonal cross section, said guideways directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the strap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strap-engaging face of one of said frames and one face of one of the cross bars of the other of said frames.

6. A slide buckle for association with a strap, comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and having a substantially flat strap-engaging face, opposed flanges on said frame, a guideway of varying width and of arcuate .contour on each of said iianges, a second frame formed of sheet metal having end bars for slidable engagement in said guideways, and spaced cross bars connecting said end bars forming a slot through which said strap may be threaded to pass over the face of one of said cross bars and under the face of the other, said cross bars being of polygonal cross section, said guideways directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the strap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strapengaging face of one of said frames and one face of one of the cross bars of the other of said frames.

7. A slide buckle for association with a strap comprising a frame for attachment with one end of a belt or with an article to be supported, said frame being formed of sheet metal and having a under the face of the other, said cross bars being of polygonal cross section', said guideways directing a relative transverse movement of said frames automatically upon a longitudinal movement of the st rap relative to said belt or article to be supported to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between the strap-engaging face of one of said frames and one face of one of the cross bars of the other of said frames.

' PAUL W. WHITE.

PHILIP DROZ. 

